In Vitebsk, the memory of Pyotr Masherov was honored
A rally dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Pyotr Masherov's birth was held at the monument of the same name on Zamkovaya Street. The memory of the prominent public and political figure of Belarus was honored by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Alexander Atyasov, representatives of the regional and city executive committees, public organizations, and youth.
Among the rally participants were also Vitebsk residents who knew Pyotr Masherov. Vladimir Kulakov, who held the position of state farm director in the 60s-70s and later various leadership positions in party work, told journalists about his meetings and impressions of this person. "I was fortunate to meet Masherov five times, including three times when I was the director of a state farm in the Lida region. Pyotr Mironovich had a way of winning people over; he was distinguished by his simplicity and sincerity. In conversation, it felt like you had known this person for a long time. He was deeply interested in all issues – both social and production-related. He left the best impressions," shared Vladimir Kulakov his memories.
Commemorative events dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Pyotr Masherov's birth will be held in the Vitebsk region throughout February. However, the most significant of them are organized in the region today. Thus, a star relay of memory with the participation of high school students has started in the regional center. The regional Museum of Local Lore has prepared an exhibition that includes various documents and photographs related to Masherov's life. In the evening, a commemorative evening, prepared by the university's students together with teachers, will be held at the Vitebsk State University, named after him since 1998. A similar event will take place at the secondary school in the agro-town of Moshkany (Sennensky district), where Masherov studied. For many years, these educational institutions have carefully preserved the memory of their outstanding graduate.
Pyotr Mironovich Masherov was born in 1918 in the village of Shirki, Sennensky district. In August 1941, he organized and led the underground resistance in Rossony; from April 1942, he was the commander of the N.A. Shchors partisan detachment; from March 1943, he was the commissar of the K.K. Rokossovsky partisan brigade. Member of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) since March 1943. First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus since 1965, candidate member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU since 1966. Hero of the Soviet Union (1944), Hero of Socialist Labor (1978). He was a prominent party figure who enjoyed immense popularity and support among the population. Masherov's tragic death on October 4, 1980, in a car accident (a dump truck loaded with potatoes crashed into his car) caused a huge public outcry.